Ch.27 Thieving friends - part.2

Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight jumped up, ready to fight. But one of the strange Vampires motioned for the rest to stop. Midnight took a step forward, glaring at them.

Midnight: I KNEW you were following us! What are you doing here? W-... I thought you were in the dungeons!

Mittens (orange fox): I was, Midnight... Waiting for you to save my sorry hide...

Midnight: You knew I wasn't coming back for you. Not after what you did to... my friend.

Mittens: You're friend?... Oh, you mean the poor barmaid that lives in that sorry club of yours! Well... that was an accident.

Midnight: Accident? You did that on purpose!

Mittens: With that attitude towards me, she had it coming to her.

Midnight: I'll repeat what I said... Why. Are. You. Here?

Mittens: Well... I had to stop waiting eventually, so I broke out myself, and got myself a strong gang. It took two years, but the reward was worth it!

Ruby: Uh, Midnight... may I ask who she is?

Mittens: Me? Why, I'm just a girl who has a broken heart... betrayed by her Romeo and just trying to find a way to survive...

Sapphire: Really? You look like you're having fun.

Mittens: Oh, I am... but looks can be deceiving.

Midnight: You are deceiving.

Mittens: Oh be quiet, Midnight. No one wants to listen to a black rat.

Ruby and Sapphire (who had been making hand jesters and signals)  nodded at each other before bolting deeper into the forest. The fox flicked her tail and the rest of the Vampires charged after them.

Topaz: ... I'm sorry for my curiosity, but what's your name?

Mittens: I'm mostly known as Mittens.

Topaz: Well, Mittens... is there a reason why you and your mates are here?

Mittens: Actually, yes. I've been tracking Midnight here for months. Rotting away and left forgotten in that dreadful dungeon has made me change the way I think... and HE didn't even lift a claw to help me.

Topaz: So... you want revenge?

Mittens: Naturally.

Midnight: So what were you planning to do to me?

Mittens: If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise!

Midnight: ...

One of the Vampires came back, looking extremely scared.

Vampire Bandit: The red and blue kangaroo disappeared, Miss Mittens... we don't know where they went! We didn't mean for them to escape!

Mittens: Great... that means they could be getting help...

Mittens turned angrily towards the Vampire bandit. He flinched under her gaze.

Mittens: Find them! And don't come back until you do!

The grey wolf cowered and ran deeper into the forest. Mittens sighed and turned to look at Midnight again.

Mittens: We were a team, you and me, Midnight... why did you ditch me for a poor sick girl like her, I ask myself.

Midnight: ...

Mittens: We could've been happy together, Midnight... you and me against the world...

Midnight: ...

Mittens: ... I'm giving you a chance to come back to me, Midnight.

Midnight looked up at Mittens, now confused.

Mittens: All I ask from you is to leave that worthless barmaid. And maybe your new friends, as well. Hanging out with too many girls... they might get jealous.

Topaz: Ruby only thinks of him as an ally. I don't know what Sapphire thinks.

Mittens: I see...

Just then, two Vampire Bandits came back pushing Ruby in front of them. Both looked worried.

Vampire Bandit: Well... we found the red one, but... we couldn't find the blue kangaroo...

Mittens looked like she was about to explode.

Mittens: You fools! She could be in Everwinter village now, for all we know!

Vampire Bandit: Well... at least we got one...

Mittens: Not good enough! You! Keep an eye on Midnight and the kangaroos. You! Find the blue one!

The wolf scurried off again deeper into the forest. The other bandit sat down and glared at them all.

Ruby: (whispering) Now what?

Topaz: (whispering) Hope that Sapphire won't get caught, and that she sends help...

Ruby: (whispering) But... will the Vampires listen to her? Will the Vampire Lord listen to her?

Topaz: (whispering) ...

They stayed silent, waiting in the cold dark forest and waited.

Ch.27 Thieving friends - part.1

Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight trekked through the marshy lands for hours, until they reached the forest. They wandered around until Sapphire dropped to the ground, exhausted.

Sapphire: I can't continue...

Topaz stopped and turned around to look at Sapphire.

Topaz: Why not?

Sapphire: My feet won't let me.

Topaz: That's not an actual reason. We need to keep moving!

Midnight and Ruby sat down too. Topaz looked slightly annoyed.

Topaz: Get up. All of you.

Midnight: We're tired-

Ruby: Hungry-

Sapphire: And thirsty! We can't go any further.

Topaz: We will continue traveling until we reach Everwinter Village!

Midnight: But its almost dark.

Topaz: And you're afraid?

Sapphire: No, but you mentioned bandits and wild creatures along the way, so we're kind of thinking for our safety as well.

Topaz: Are you suggesting we stop in the middle of the forest?

Ruby: Yes, that's exactly what were suggesting.

Topaz: Oh fao the lival O' the Vampi kion.. FINE. Midnight, keep watch. I'll try searching for some food..

Topaz stalked off deeper into the forest. Midnight climbed up a tree and left Ruby and Sapphire to themselves.

Sapphire: Finally! I thought we were going to keep on walking forever!

Ruby: I must admit that my feet were getting sore.

Sapphire: ... Do you really think bandits are lurking somewhere around this forest?

Ruby: I wouldn't be surprised. Everwinter village is known for having the most thieves and bandits.

Sapphire: Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Ruby: Well, Midnight's useful but I doubt everyone is like him.

Sapphire: True.

Ruby and Sapphire stay silent and waited for Topaz to come back with food. After a few minutes, Midnight climbed down from the tree.

Sapphire: Whats up?

Midnight: The sky.

Sapphire: ...

Midnight: ... Anyway. Just wanted to let you guys know I think we're being followed.

Ruby: Why do you say that?

Midnight: Well... I heard some rustling in the trees nearby, and some odd hooting sounds.

Sapphire: Has the thought of owls crossed your mind?

Midnight: It didn't sound natural...

Sapphire: And have you even heard an owl before?

Midnight: Well... no...

Sapphire: Then you can't really judge if it was fake or not, can you?

Midnight: I have this feeling in my gut.

Sapphire: Did your gut tell you I might be punching you if keep acting the goat?

Midnight: Uh... what does that mean?

Sapphire: An UnMythic expression that simply means "Stop fooling around".

Midnight: But I'm not!

Sapphire: ... We'll continue this wonderful conversation when Topaz comes back with something to eat.

Midnight didn't say anything more. He climbed up the tree again, just as Topaz came back with some berries.

Topaz: Here's some Luac berries. The only thing I could find that wasn't poisonous. Chur helep vis haboy, bratos.

Ruby: Hey! We're not brats!

Topaz: ... Midnight, get down here. I didn't walk through thorny bushes for nothing!

Midnight slowly came down the tree and joined the cousins. They ate all the berries slowly as the forest grew steadily darker and darker. Midnight looked up as he heard a rustling sound nearby.

Midnight: ... Did you hear that?

Topaz: ... Yeah...

Midnight: ... I think were being spied on.

They didn't have wait to find out, because a bunch of rough looking Vampires jumped out of the shadows.

Ch.26 The theif goes Undercover - part.3

The brown wolf stared blankly at Midnight, watching him pacing around.

Maud: (whispering) We keep our wood wet and hard so thieves have a harder time getting out.

Midnight: ... I'm not a thief.

Maud: (whispering) Liar. Its in your eyes.

Midnight: My eyes?

Maud: (whispering) I can read eyes like a book. They show me hidden details about someone.

Midnight: Well... what do my eyes say then?

Maud: (whispering) They told me you're a thief, but kind and thoughtful. That you're a great liar, but hate tricking friends. You know many secrets, but you don't know the answers to them.

The strange wolf pauses for a moment before continuing.

Maud: (whispering) ... You're eyes also told me you have no parents.

Midnight: You don't know what you're talking about!

Maud: (whispering) I do, actually.

Midnight: ... You're not worth my time. I need to find a way out of here!

Maud: (whispering) The only way out is the front gate.

Midnight: You said that already.

The wolf said nothing but turned to walk deeper into the misty village. Midnight thought for a moment before following her. Midnight weaved around houses, following her. The wolf entered a house and Midnight followed her in.

Meanwhile, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz were waiting for Midnight to return. As time went on, they became restless.

Sapphire: Whats taking him so long?

Topaz: Maybe he got lost?

Ruby: I doubt it. This is a fairly small village, and Midnight doesn't "get lost".

Sapphire: Then why isn't he here? It's been half an hour since he got in there! And we don't know what's going on!

Topaz: Patience. Maybe he got captured and he's finding a way out?

Ruby: I guess that's possible...

Just then, loud screaming could be heard and the gates started to slowly open. The cousins saw Midnight bolt out of the village and down the hill towards them at top speed, yelling at the top of his lungs.

Topaz: What is he saying?

Sapphire: ... "Run away as fast as you can because Dewy Village is really angry, hurry up you're wasting time to get away"...

The cousins looked at each other, and then decided to run back into the marshy lands of Dewy Meadows.

When they had gotten far enough away, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight stopped to catch their breath.

Sapphire: What took you so long?!

Midnight: I couldn't climb back up! The wood was too wet, and a wolf pup distracted me.

Topaz: Distracted you with what?

Midnight: Uh... just distracted me, that's all.

Topaz: ...

Ruby: So... what was all that screaming before you escaped?

Midnight: The wolf pup told me that the only way to get out was by the front door... and so I started screaming that UnMythics were attacking from behind and the guards opened and before they knew it, I was free.

Sapphire: Great thinking.

Midnight: There was no other option. And I didn't want to be stuck in THAT village for the rest of my life!

Ruby: So... whats going on in Dewy Village?

Midnight: UnMythics attacked about a week ago, leaving only fifteen Vampires, including their Vampire Lord.

Topaz: So why didn't they say anything? We Vampires MUST keep in touch with each other! It's how we all survived the past thousand years!

Sapphire: Maybe they couldn't?

Topaz: We don't DO "couldn't". There has always been a way to send messages!

Ruby: ... By the way, Midnight.

 

Midnight: ...

Ruby: Good job.

Midnight: With what?

Ruby: The mission. We now know what's going on, thanks to you.

Midnight: You're welcome.

Sapphire: ... Well, now what? Do you think we can get back to IceFlame before sunset?

Midnight: Doubtful. It took us an hour to get here, and it may well take MORE than an hour to get back.

Sapphire: What other choice do we have?

Topaz: Everwinter forest shouldn't be that far from here. We'll try to reach it before it gets dark, and if all else fails, we camp out.

Midnight: What fun...

Topaz: And hopefully no bandits or wild creatures will get us during the night.

Sapphire: ...

Topaz: ... Well, what are we waiting for? Lets start moving, before it gets any colder.

Topaz got up and started walking in the direction of the sun. Ruby and Sapphire got up to follow, with Midnight close behind.

For Anzac Day

This year we celebrate the 100th Anzac (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) day anniversary!

Lest we forget what they did for us.

Ch.26 The thief goes Undercover part.2

Midnight rolled out of the way before Onyx could land on him. He tossed a bracelet towards her feet and ran for it. Onyx picked it up quietly, giving one more hiss. Midnight turned to see her walk towards her bedroom.

Ruby: Do you believe us now?

Midnight: I admit it. She's scary.

Topaz: What on earth were you thinking? Taking something from Onyx is more dangerous than hunting for Winter Fangs!

Midnight: I couldn't help myself! Do you know how hard it is for me to NOT steal? My claws were itching for some action!

Topaz: Was that the action you wanted?

Midnight: It certainly was unexpected!

Sapphire hit Midnight over the head.

Sapphire: And now you should return all those things, now that you've had your little fun.

Midnight: Do I have too?

Sapphire: YES.

Topaz: And make it quick. We leave for Dewy Meadows in half an hour.

Topaz headed back to the guest's bedroom to prepare. Ruby and Sapphire followed close behind.

Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight were making their way across a swampy land towards Dewy Meadows.

Midnight: Why are we doing this again?

Topaz: We already told you. We're here to warn any Vampires about the UnMythics plan to attack in... how many days now, Ruby?

Ruby: Four.

Topaz: ... In four days. And seeing WE are some of the only ones that know this, it is OUR duty to travel and warn our kind!

Midnight: Do you really think we can warn EVERY SINGLE VAMPIRE on the entire island about the UnMythic plans... In FOUR days?!

Ruby: We can at least try!

Sapphire: And batmail can get there faster in the more distant villages, while we're traveling on foot to the more closer villages.

Midnight: .. Why didn't Diamond and Onyx come?

Ruby: They need to stay at Castle IceFlame to help prepare for the upcoming war.

Midnight: So I hear...

Topaz: Look alive, Vampires! We coming towards the village of Dewy Meadow!

Midnight: Please say you don't have any cousins in this village....

Sapphire: Oh, stop complaining!

A wooden barricade came into view. As they got closer, they noticed a misty haze surrounding the village. Sapphire ran up and banged on the barricade.

Sapphire: ANYONE HOME???

Voice: Go away!

Sapphire: Don't talk to me like that!

Voice: Sorry, but that's the rules.

Ruby: What rules?

Voice: No outsiders! And certainly NO UnMythics allowed either!

Ruby: Why?

Voice: Didn't you hear me? I said go away!

Sapphire clenches her fists but Ruby signals for them to move away.

Ruby: Well... this wasn't the welcome I'd expected.

Topaz: But we have to get in somehow.. This trip can't just be a waste of time!

Ruby: Well... I think one of us can get over that wall if we create some kind of pyramid. But they could be more hostile if we get in...

Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz turned to face Midnight and smiled.

Sapphire: Ok, who votes for Midnight to investigate Dewy Village, say "I".

Ruby: I.

Topaz: I.

Midnight looked around at the cousins in dismay.

Midnight: Why me? Why can't Topaz do it? She's older than all of us!

Sapphire: Midnight, I think you're forgetting your little "accident" this afternoon.

Midnight: Oh, come on! It wasn't that bad...

Ruby: You almost had us killed! You need to prove you can do something WITHOUT endangering the whole Vampire race.

Midnight: But...

Topaz: Fiy doun havua a sao iea imme!

Topaz half dragged Midnight back to the barracks with Ruby and Sapphire. They made a pyramid for Midnight, and he climbed over the wall. He started to explore nervously around the misty village, looking for any Vampires that could be hiding.

Voice: (whispering)  Hey... what are you doing here?

Midnight turned around to see a brown wolf hiding in the thick mist.

Midnight: Investigating this village. Why, what are you doing here?

Maud (brown wolf): (whispering) Staying out of sight.

Midnight: Could you please explain why they wont let anyone in?

Maud: ...

Midnight: ... Why are you afraid to tell me?

Maud: (whispering) You can't be seen here!

Midnight: Why not?

Maud: You just can't! No one can get in or out! Its the rules!

Midnight: Why?

Maud: (whispering) UnMythics attacked us about a week ago... our Vampire Lord made new rules to keep us safe!

Midnight: But why didn't anyone travel to any of the other villages to let us know?

Maud: (whispering) We tried! But our Vampire Lord denied it!

Midnight: How many Vampires are left in this village?

Maud: (whispering) About fifteen... including me and our Vampire Lord.

Midnight: What happened to the rest of your village?

Maud: (whispering) They got snatched! Taken away somewhere else! Haven't seen them since...

Midnight: Well... now that I know whats going on, I can leave now.

Maud: (whispering) How?

Midnight: By climbing, of course!

Midnight quietly turned around and walked back to where he came from. The little wolf followed silently after him, watching. He tried to climb over, but the wood barricade was too slippery.

Maud: (whispering) It's too wet. You have to go out by the front door.

Midnight: I can see that, but will they let me pass?

Maud: (whispering) Probably not.

Midnight looked around slowly, wondering what to do next.

Ch.26 The thief goes Undercover - part.1

After a rather dull lunch, Ruby and Topaz were planning where they should head to next in the guests bedroom.

Ruby: Well... we could always head towards Poisonrock stream...

Topaz: Probably not a good idea. Why not go to Sandwing village?

Ruby: Its the middle of summer. It's going to be HOT, DRY, and DUSTY...

Topaz: Well, we can't stay here forever! Where do you expect we should go?

Just then, Topaz and Fang came in.

Sapphire: Hi guys! What are you doing?

Ruby: Deciding which village we should travel too next.

Topaz: And so far, we can't think of anywhere we agree on.

Fang scurried across the floor to the opened books they were looking at.

Fang: ... What about Dewy Meadows?

Topaz: Hmm... that's an idea. We haven't heard from them in a while, and I guess we could pay them a visit just to make sure they're ok.

Ruby: And its close to EverWinter village... we need to return home before the war starts, I guess.

Topaz: So... agreed to go to Dewy Meadows?

Ruby: Agreed.

Just then, Midnight came crashing down the halls and into the bedroom. He quickly closed the door after him. Everyone turns to look at him.

Midnight: Ah... hi...

Ruby: Ok, what did you do?

Midnight: I may have "borrowed" some things... and then forgot to return them.

Ruby: What did you steal...?

Midnight: Well... maybe one or two shiny gems, a few one of a kind books... and maybe... maybe a really sparkly bracelet from Onyx...

Sapphire shoved Midnight to the wall and looked like she was going to explode.

Sapphire: Midnight... do you KNOW what you've done?

Midnight: Taken something I shouldn't have?

Sapphire: You've just stolen Onyx's one of a kind bracelet... and now, shes going to destroy everything in her path until she finds it. And when she finds you have it... lets just say you might find yourself six feet under before sundown.

Midnight: She can't be THAT bad...

Sapphire: You don't know her like we do.

Ruby and Topaz nodded.

Ruby: I tried to steal something from her when we were kids... and I ended up in bed for the rest of the week.

Midnight: But you weren't trained, Ruby. I'm an expert in the arts of taking stuff that doesn't belong to me!

Topaz: That won't change a bit. Even if you just happened to be the strongest Ice Giant, the fastest Sea Creature, or even the smartest Vampire, it won't matter. She'll get you one way or another. Guritnal.

There was a loud scream and the stone walls shook.

Midnight: What was that?

Sapphire: That would be Onyx, screaming for her bracelet back.

Midnight: That didn't sound Vampire at all!

Topaz: It gets worst.

Ruby: ... Midnight?

Midnight: Yeah?

Loud stomping started to sound, and it was getting closer.

Ruby: ... I suggest you run.

Midnight: Noted.

Midnight swung the door opened and dashed out down the halls. They saw a blur of black streak past the door going straight for Midnight.

Ruby: He's not going to survive, is he?

Sapphire: Nope.

Ruby: ... Should we give him a hand?

Topaz: I guess...  but he doesn't deserve it.

They all walk and start searching for Midnight. It didn't take them long, because Onyx was screaming at the top of her lungs after him. Midnight skidded to a halt and turned  to run towards them.

Midnight: I thought you said-

Ruby: Just wait.

They all started running back in the direction they came in. They could hear Onyx gaining on them at a steady rate.

Ruby: Midnight! Give Onyx her bracelet back!

Midnight: Why would I do that?

Onyx suddenly jumped on top of Midnight. She looked like a wild savage beast out of control.

Ruby: Give it to her!

Midnight: Never!!!

Topaz: Oh for crying out loud Midnight, JUST GIVE IT TO HER ALREADY!!!

Onyx leaped into the air, ready for the attack.

Ch.25 The Winter Fangs - part.4

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight waited for Neve to catch up with them before going closer to the Winter Fangs' fort.

Ruby: Ok. How do we get in undetected?

Neve: Well... we can't.

Ruby: What?

Neve: This fort is so well guarded, nothing can get in without getting some attention from the Winter Fangs... practically impossible to sneak out, as well.

Midnight: But you somehow got out.

Neve: Well... I had a bit of help.

Midnight: By who?

Neve: ... Someone who isn't half monster like everything else in there.

Sapphire: So... there really is no way in?

Neve: You could go through their front door, but it wouldn't be a very good idea.

Sapphire: ... Well. Can't sit around all day.

Sapphire got up and walked over to the front gate and went inside. About a few seconds later, loud howls were being sounded.

Neve: ... Shes going to die... or get turned into a Winter Fang. Both are bad.

Ruby: ... Can UnMythics turn into Winter Fangs?

Neve: Nope. Only Mythical creatures like Vampires and Deep sea creatures can be turned into Winter Fangs. Why do you ask?

Ruby: Just wondering.

Neve: ... You're not going to help her?

Ruby: She'll be fine.

Neve: How can you say that? Shes not getting out alive! Or if she does, she'll come back weird!

Midnight: Don't worry. Everything about her is weird.

Neve: But... isn't she your family?

Ruby: Yeah. Fourth cousin once removed. Haven't seen each other in years... until less than a week ago.

Neve: And... you're not in the least bit worried she might... not return?

They could hear wolves fighting and ice being shattered.

Ruby: ... I'm sure she's ok.

A few minutes later, Sapphire came back out with a long, frozen fang. Neve looked shocked at her return.

Neve: But... you didn't-

Sapphire: Get bitten? Nope. Mutts were too quick to judge and kept crashing into the icy walls.

Neve: But... but...

Sapphire: Don't question greatness.

Midnight: And I see you got a fang!

Sapphire: ... How are we going to crack it open?

Ruby: We'll worry about that when we get back to Castle IceFlame. Will you be joining us, Neve?

Neve: Well... I don't think that's a very good idea...

Sapphire: How so...?

Neve: Well... I don't think IceFlame is ready to see me... at least, not yet.

Sapphire: ... Yeah, you're a Winter Fang.

Neve: That's... not true... I'm... yeah I'm a Winter Fang.

Midnight: How did you figure that out, Sapphire?

Sapphire: Simple. One, Hunter's hound was afraid of him. And two, he said he's escaped from the Winter Fangs, and as he said before, it's guaranteed that they'll turn you into one of them.

Neve: Well... I used to be Vampire...

Ruby: So... will you be joining us?

Neve: ... No. Not today.

Ruby: Ok. I guess we should be going now. Thanks for helping us, Neve.

Ruby, Sapphire and Midnight headed back up the hill to Hunter and Topaz.

After the long trek to Castle IceFlame, Ruby rushed into Onyx's room, where Diamond and Onyx were arguing. They both look up to see Ruby and Sapphire.

Diamond: Where have you been all day?

Sapphire: Getting a cure for chircil. And we got it.

Diamond: WHAT?! Why didn't you tell me?

Sapphire: Because we already asked a hunter?

Ruby: Because we could do it without you?

Sapphire: Because we thought for your safety?

Ruby: Because you can be dangerous on an adventure?

Diamond: Since when have I ever been dangerous?

Ruby pulled out a long list that seemed to go on forever, and put on some fake glasses.

Ruby: Let me see...

Diamond: Ok, ok... I get the idea...

Ruby put away the list and fake glasses.

Diamond: I may ignore some rules when I find out something I should've known for years...

Ruby and Sapphire: ...

Diamond: ... Ok, I'm oblivious to all the rules when I find out something I should've known for years.

Onyx: Understatement.

Diamond: ... So how does this cure work? And where did you get it?

Ruby: We got it from the Winter Fangs. And funny thing... we don't know how to use it...

Everyone remained silent for a whole minute. You could hear a feather drop it was so quiet.

Onyx: ... Question. Why did you go after a cure if you didn't know how to use it?

Ruby: Well...

Topaz suddenly entered the room.

Topaz: We trekked through deep snow for hours to find a cure that may not have existed, for you. Simple as that.

Onyx: None of that love and family stuff, please... I'm sick enough as it is.

Diamond: So you admit you're sick?

Onyx: Sick of you giving me headaches every time we talk.

Diamond: Well, I'M sick of you being a pain in the neck!

Onyx: Ditto.

Topaz: Cau fiy plou sapro fulora?

Onyx: Speak English, Topaz!

Topaz: ...

Ruby: I think we need to crack open the fang...

Sapphire: Ok!

Sapphire through the fang on the ground as hard as she could. As the fang hit the floor, it cracked opened, showing a glowing aqua frost inside. Ruby gently picked it up and gave it to Onyx.

Ruby: Well... you have the choice of eating that as it is, or we can put that in some kind of-

Onyx: I'm not having this in tea!

And so saying so, Onyx shook the frost out of the cracked fang and swallowed.

Sapphire: ... How do you feel?

Onyx: ... No difference.

Ruby: Give it a few days... it may or may not take a while for it to start working.

Sapphire: If that's the case, I vote we have lunch!

Sapphire dashed out of Onyx's room and to the kitchen.

Ch.25 The Winter Fangs - part.3

Everyone remained quiet, waiting for the creature hiding to attack. Suddenly a wolf jumped out of a pile of hidden snow. It bared its long frozen fangs, and Hunter's bloodhound growled.

Neve (grey wolf): What are you doing here?

Ruby: Well... at least it speaks English. That's a good start!

Neve: I'm not an it!

Hunter: Then what are you? A snow badger of some sort?

Neve: I'm not a badger, either!

Hunter: Then tell us what you are!

Neve: I don't have to tell you anything!

Hunter: You'd better, if you know what's good for you!

Neve: I've got sharp pointy teeth, and I'm not afraid to use them!

Hunter: Well I have a bloodhound, and he's not afraid to rip you apart!

Neve: Well.. I'll bite him before he can touch me!

Hunter: My hound is more quicker than you!

Neve: I bet he isn't!

Ruby: If I can just interrupt this conversation...

The strange wolf and the hunter both looked up at Ruby.

Hunter: Give me a minute miss... I need to deal with this beast!

Ruby: Hunter, we're here to look for the Winter Fangs so that we can "borrow" their frost so we can cure my cousin... NOT listening to you argue with this... this creature.

Topaz: Tiusha.

Ruby: So can we continue going?

Neve: Wait... you're looking for the Winter Fangs? I just escaped from them!

Sapphire: Did you happen to get some of their frost?

Neve: Well... sort of...

Midnight: It's either you did or you didn't. So which is it?

Neve: ... No. I didn't get their frost...

Sapphire: Can you at least take us to the Winter Fangs?

Neve: I swore I'd never return to that place!

Hunter: We don't need him! I can find the Winter Fangs perfectly without his help! We don't even know if he's Vampire or not!

Neve: Of course I am! I'm one hundred percent... vampire... hehe...

Hunter: ... I'm putting you under suspicion.

Ruby: So... what's your name?

Neve: ... Call me Neve.

Sapphire: Ok, Neve. Please take us to the Winter Fangs' territory.

Hunter: Or we can just drag you there. Either way works!

Neve: Whatever I say won't change your minds?

Sapphire: Unless you have some frost from the Winter Fangs on you, probably not.

The wolf sighs and starts walking towards some small hills. Everyone else follows him.

They traveled for a while until they came to what seemed like an large snow fort.

Neve: I'm hoping you're not planning to charge in there unprotected.

Ruby: Well... we have a plan, but yes. We are going in there without armor.

Neve: You're crazy.

Sapphire: So they say.

Ruby: Hunter, wait here with your bloodhound and stay quiet until we come back.

Hunter: Is that wise, miss?

Sapphire: Well... apparently Ruby and Midnight retrieved the Dragon egg, we've escaped from an UnMythic base, we rescued a village-

Ruby: Part of a village...

Sapphire: Don't ruin the story with facts!

Ruby: ...

Sapphire: ... We're also currently stopping a world war, and right now we're retrieving frost from a dangerous type of wolf to cure our fiery cousin Onyx.

Hunter: Well... you've been quite busy!

Sapphire: Yup.

Ruby: Neve. Seeing that you know this place better then everyone else, you're going to act as our guide.

Neve: But... I just escaped from there!

Ruby: That may be true, but we need their frost to cure my cousin.

Neve: Do you even know if it even works?

Ruby: Nope! That's the thing with adventures. You do things for your friends and family, and don't even know if you'll live to see the next morning.

Ruby motioned for Sapphire and Midnight to follow her down the hill towards the Winter Fangs' fort. Neve starts to walk back in the direction they came from, but slowly turns around and follows Ruby.

Ch.25 The Winter Fangs - part.2

Ruby explored the castle until she saw a door with a strange flag on it. She opened it and walked in to see a grey snow leopard with a black bloodhound. She walked over to him.

Ruby: Are you Hunter the hunter?

Hunter (grey leopard): Yeah, that's me. What can I do for you, miss?

Ruby: We need you to help us find the Winter Fangs.

Hunter: Right to the point, I see. But why would I do that?

Ruby: Because you just happen to be the best hunter in all the land and you like to help maidens in distress?

Hunter: ... You look quiet calm, to me.

Ruby: I didn't say I was the one distressed. My cousin Onyx has chircil, and I want to help her.

Hunter: I pity her... Having chircil is one of the worst things a Vampire can get.

Ruby: I've read in a book, that if you get the frost from a Winter Fang, you can cure someone with chircil!

Hunter: And you thought I would help?

Ruby: That was the idea, yes.

Hunter: What do I get out of this?

Ruby: Ah! I thought someone would say that...

Ruby dug into her pockets and pulled out the small leather pouch filled with gold and gems that Midnight gave her. She tossed it to the hunter, which he looked at carefully.

Hunter: Well... that's very generous of you, miss.

Ruby: So you'll help?

Hunter: Well... you've persuaded me to come along with you...

Ruby: That was easier then I thought... Ok! We leave in fifteen minutes.

Hunter: I'll be waiting outside the castle.

The hunter whistled for his blood hound to follow him as they left the room. Ruby went back to the guests room, where Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight were preparing.

Ruby: Great news! A hunter has decided to help us find the Winter Fangs!

Midnight: I thought you were going to ask Diamond to help us...?

Ruby: Change of plans. A hunter will go in Diamond's place.

Topaz: Aara fiy stio? Diamond might feel left out if we don't invite her...

Ruby: She could put us all in danger, Topaz. We have to think of our safety as well as our mission!

Topaz: Chur gual...

Sapphire: So who is this "Hunter" guy, then?

Ruby: You'll see when we get outside.

Fang - who was sitting on a Sapphire's bed eating leftover sandwiches - suddenly jumped down and and rushed up to Ruby.

Fang: What about me?

Ruby: You can come with us and get eaten by Winter Fangs, a dangerous species of wolf, OR, you can stay here and keep an eye on the sandwiches. You decide.

Fang: ... I'll just... stay here.

Ruby: Any more questions before we leave?

Everyone was silent, so Ruby spoke up again.

Ruby: Ok! Let's go!

They all dash down the halls and out to the entrance of the castle, where Hunter the hunter and his hound were waiting.

Hunter: Are you all ready?

Ruby: I believe we are.

Hunter: Then I will try my best to find the Winter Fangs, so that you may cure your sick cousin.

The hunter bounded off with his hound off into the snowy land of IceFlame, and the kangaroo cousins with the black thief ran after him.

They trekked for what seemed like hours until Hunter and his bloodhound stopped. Everyone else stopped next to them.

Hunter: We're getting close to their territory.

Sapphire: How do you know?

Hunter: My bloodhound has one of the best noses on the island. If he smells something he doesn't like, I trust him.

Ruby: Well... if we're getting close, I suggest we start traveling in shadows.

Midnight: Why?

Ruby: Vampire Lord's orders.

Midnight: ... How did he know-

Sapphire: Don't question his methods.

There was a rustling sound in snow nearby. Hunter's bloodhound pricked up his ears and growled in the direction of the noise. Everyone else prepared for the worst.

Ch.25 The Winter Fangs - part.1

Early the next morning, loud banging could be heard on the guest's door where Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight were sleeping in.

Midnight: Go away! We're sleeping... it's not the afternoon yet!

The banging continued to sound until Ruby groans, gets up and opens the door. A masked Vampire

hands a letter to her, and runs away. Ruby closes the door, opens the letter, and starts to read.

Ruby: (reading) "Ruby DeathDancer. I have heard news of your plans to seek out the Winter Fangs. But before you go, I suggest you travel in the darkness of the shadows. The Winter Fangs are a deadly group, and will be more than happy to make you one of them. Also, when you come back to EverWinter village, I have a mission for you. Stay sharp, young Vampire."

Ruby looked out the window. The cold frost wind outside was blowing hard, and small snowflakes were being toyed with as a cat would do to a mouse. Ruby looked back at the letter.

Ruby: ... Of course! The Vampire Lord must've sent this... but... how did he know we were going to find the Winter Fangs today?

Ruby sighed in wonder and quietly walked over to Midnight's bed and kicked it as hard as she could. He fell out of bed and dimly looked up at Ruby.

Ruby: Good morning, Midnight.

Midnight: Do I have to get up?

Ruby: When you get out of bed, you stay out. Now wake up my cousins. I have to find Diamond and tell her our plan to find the Winter Fangs.

Ruby opened the door, and walked out to find Diamond. She noticed Sarah FireFrost outside in the frozen garden, and decided to talk to her. She walked down the stairs leading to the courtyard and smiled at the old story teller.

Ruby: Good morning, Sarah. Didn't expect to see you here!

Sarah: To me it's relaxing to feel the cold wind and snow in the middle of the morning. Did you sleep well?

Ruby: Yeah. I had a really bad nightmare last night.

Sarah: Nightmares should be more appreciated. They make the morning much more enjoyable. Not many realize that, you know.

Ruby: That's what my Great great great Grandma told me when I was younger.

Sarah: Ah... she's smart teaching you that.

Ruby: Yup...

Ruby and the old deer stayed silent for a while, enjoying the frosty morning. After a few minutes, Ruby spoke up again.

Ruby: ... Do you know where Diamond is at this time?

Sarah: She usually takes a nice walk with Onyx about now, but seeing the poor girl has chircil, I'd expect to see her to be in the kitchen with our castle cook.

Ruby: Thanks! I need to go and get her before we head off to find the Winter Fangs.

Sarah: Why do you need her?

Ruby: Well... we were planning to ask her to help us navigate through the snowy meadows of IceFlame.

Sarah: But do you think its a good idea?

Ruby: What do you mean...?

Sarah: If she finds out there was a cure for chircil all this time, she won't listen to anyone. You need to be really careful around the Winter Fangs.

 Ruby: I've thought about that before, actually... But... we need Diamond to help us track through this frozen wasteland!

Sarah: That's not true. Many hunters in this castle know this land and the dangers it has. Perhaps you'd have more luck finding them with an expert and his hound?

Ruby: Maybe... But do the hunters believe in the Winter Fangs?

Sarah: Only one. He goes by the name of Hunter Hotsnow.

Ruby: Hunter the hunter... strange name, but I guess we don't have a choice.

Sarah: You always have a choice. But some choices are better than others.

Ruby: I guess... Now all we have to do is find them!

Sarah: Hold on! They are crafty creatures, and will do anything to make you one of them!

Ruby: Funny you should mention, that... I got a letter telling me the exact same thing.

Sarah: Whoever sent it must have a lot of common sense.

Ruby: I'm assuming all Vampire Lords need a lot of common sense in order to rule properly.

Sarah: That is true.

Ruby: ... Where can I find this Hunter the hunter?

Sarah: You can often find him with his blood hound in the W.I.L.D Clubs room.

Ruby: W.I.L.D?

Sarah: Wispy Ice Larks Dew.

Ruby: Why are they called that?

Sarah: Around these parts, the Ice Lark is a rare type of bird, which its dew can be used for a powerful healing potion. They help those in need, and are practically invisible when hunting.

Ruby: Ok. Thanks, Miss FireFrost!

Ruby quickly turned around and headed towards the endless halls.

Ch.24 - Shining secrets - part 5

A cold frosty wind started to play and dance as Sarah FireFrost told the legends of the Winter Fangs.

Sarah: It all started when a Vampire wolf named Winter went out on a hunting trip for his starving village. But while trying to look for an open pond, he realized he was lost...

Clouds started to block out the moons beams and snow started to fall down in that frozen garden where Ruby and Sarah were.

Sarah: He tried to retrace his steps, but the cold unforgiving winds pushed him back deeper into snowy meadows, until finally, he had to stop and find shelter. The snow started to fall harder and harder, until he could bare it no more. He was freezing, hungry, and no one in the world knew where he was...

 Sarah turned her head up to the cloudy sky, where all you could see was small snowflakes floating gently down, and rumbles in the sky started to sound.

Sarah: Suddenly, a lightning bolt hit him straight through his heart, and he had a terrible transformation . His fangs grew longer, and his heart colder. But he had the ears and nose of the best blood hound, and he was going home. He raced off into the cold biting wind, but that didn't bother him anymore. He leaped and jumped through the hills and valleys, until he found his village.

Ruby: ... And did they welcome him back?

Sarah sighed and sadly looked into Ruby's eyes.

Sarah: ... No. They did not welcome him back. They didn't know it was him. They thought he was a savage beast, going to kill them all... even his best friend couldn't recognize him. Winter shook his head in sorrow as he turned away from everything that he knew. He had no choice but to live alone for the rest of his life... or so he thought.

Ruby stayed silent, waiting for the story teller to go on.

Sarah: Winter ran for what, to him, seemed like forever. Finally, he crashed to the ground, and made a loud howl of sorrow. Wounded in heart, he hid from the world. Anything he bit turned into a dangerous creature like him.

Ruby: ... Did his village ever figure out it was him?

Sarah: Eventually, yes... When the people of Winter's village did realized it was Winter who was that hideous creature, they renamed him the Winter Fang. And some say the cold wispy howls you sometimes hear at night come from Winter Fang... made into a melody of cries and calls for someone to join him and his group, so that they may be less lonely...

Ruby stayed silent, thinking of what Sarah told her. Finally, she stood up from the cold ground she was resting upon.

Ruby: ... Thank you for telling the legend of the Winter Fangs, Miss FireFrost.

Sarah: Don't thank me, child. It is the duty for everyone to tell the ancient stories of our race! Without them, we would all forget what we truly are. Now run along now, dear. I believe the dinner bell is being rung.

Ruby looked up to see Diamond waving from inside. Ruby hesitated and turned back to look at Sarah FireFrost.

Ruby: Won't you be coming inside too?

Sarah: Don't worry about me, I'll come in later. But I want to see the first lights of the stars before I go in and eat.

Ruby dashed back inside and Diamond took her to the dinning room.

After dinner, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight went to their bedroom for the night.

Topaz: So, Ruby... enjoyed reading your book?

Ruby: Well, I tried to, but... there's plenty of time for that. I actually researched some books and found a cure for chircil!

Sapphire: Really?! What is it?

Ruby: It says the cure is the frost from the Winter Fangs.

Midnight: And... where do you get this "frost" from them?

Topaz: The frost is inside their fangs.

Midnight: And how do you know that?

Topaz: I just happen to like reading, that's all.

Sapphire: So when do we go on this epic adventure to find ice wolves?

Ruby: In the morning. It's too dark to go out now, and we need Diamond's help to navigate through these lands.

Topaz: Sounds like a plan to me!

Ruby lay down on the bed near the window. Sapphire jumped into another bed, and Midnight did the same. Topaz waited for everyone to get comfy.

Sapphire: Well... goodnight, I guess.

Topaz: Gamonia evean.

Midnight: Sour nightmares all night long!

Ruby: And dangerous adventures in the morning!

Topaz blew out the candle and darkness took over the room. Ruby looked at the rising moon as the howls of faraway wolves started to sing their songs of pain and suffering.

Ch.24 Shining secrets - part.4

Diamond took Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Midnight to a guest bedroom.

Diamond: You can stay here for as long as you want. If you need anything, just ask me. It's almost night, so I suggest you get comfy.

Midnight: ... Is there a cure for this... chircil sickness?

Diamond: If there was, I would've already gotten it for Onyx.

Midnight: Just asking.

Ruby dropped her bag on the ground and looked around the big room.

Ruby: Is there a library by any chance?

Diamond: Yup. If you'd like, I can take you there!

Ruby: Sure! I got nothing else to do, and I'd like a quiet place to read my detective book!

Diamond: Follow me, then.

Ruby followed Diamond in and out of the cold walls of Castle IceFlame until they arrive at a small room with books.

Diamond: Enjoy reading. Dinner is in an hour, so don't be late.

Diamond quietly left the room, leaving Ruby to herself. She opened her book and started reading. After a minute, she looked up and put her book down.

Ruby: (thinking) I wonder if there is a book about sicknesses in this room...?

Ruby got up and started searching around. Finally, she picked up a book and carefully looked at it.

Ruby: (thinking) Now lets see if this book says anything about chircil...

Ruby opened the book and flicked through the pages until she found something.

Ruby: (reading) Chircil. No one knows how you get this terrible sickness, and most of the time, you don't get better...

Ruby continued to read until she found what she was looking for.

Ruby: (reading) The frost of the dangerous Winter Fangs - a deadly pack of wolfs living only in the coldest part of the Island - is the only one cure for Chircil. Although most Vampires think its just a legend.

Ruby quickly jumped up and raced out of the library. She crashed into a white kangaroo as she turned the corner.

Ruby: Diamond, so glad I... wait, your not Diamond, are you?

Iron (white kangaroo): Sorry to disappoint you, but no. I'm not Diamond. Its me, Iron!

Ruby: Now I remember! Weren't you the one who told us that girls couldn't play with boys...?

Iron: Uh... maybe?

Ruby: ... Anyway. I'm sure you've noticed that Onyx has chircil?

Iron: All too well...

Ruby: Well... I may have found a cure for it!

Iron: Are you serious?

Ruby: Yes. Yes I am.

Iron: This is great news! I need to tell Diamond about this!

Ruby grabbed onto Iron's shoulder just as he turned to run down the halls.

Ruby: There is a catch, though. The cure is the frost from the Winter Fangs.

Iron: But the Winter Fangs are just a myth!

Ruby: That may be true, but what if it was real? And besides, would you really want Onyx to stay this way?

Iron: Well... no, I wouldn't. No one wants chircil, and we don't even know how you get it!

Ruby: Exactly what I mean! If there is one cure single cure to help her, then we're going to get it!

Iron: I'll go and tell Diamond about it!

Ruby: Wait until tomorrow. She'll probably just dash out blindly into the snow without thinking!

Iron: I guess you're right...

Ruby: And before we go, I need someone who knows the ancient legends of this land. Since this IS the coldest place on the island, I need to know as much as possible before heading out!

Iron: So... what can I do?

Ruby: You can tell me where to find Diamond.

Iron: Ok. She's right behind you.

Ruby turned around to see Diamond walking down towards them.

Diamond: Iron! Just the brother I was looking for.

Iron: Let me guess... you need me to deliver Onyx her dinner, right?

Diamond: Yep. Cook ColdBurn is waiting for you.

Iron sighed and dashed down some stairs where kitchen smells were dancing through the air.

Ruby: ... Who is the best story teller in the castle?

Diamond: Definitely Sarah FireFrost. Shes memorized all the stories from the First Vampire, all the way to the Battle of the Moon Temple.

Ruby: Can you take me to her? I have some questions I want to ask her!

Diamond: She's usually outside at this time, waiting for the first stars to come out.

Diamond and Ruby walked around until they were in the cold air of the outside world. They see a black deer sitting on an ice bench, looking up at the sky. Ruby boldly walks over to her and clears her throat.

Ruby: Are you Sarah FireFrost?

Sarah (black deer): Yes, that's me. You want something from me?

Ruby: Can you tell me the legends of the Winter Fangs?

Sarah: But of course, dear... That was one of my favorites as a child.

The old deer looked straight in Ruby's eyes and started telling her story.